Home Theatre PC with multiple speakers?

[Megan]

Hello,

Ok I'm familiar with PCs and Networks but have no idea about home theatre systems etc. I do not even know what an amplifier is.

I have created a HTPC that is trucking along nicely. I've 5.1 pc speakers which are just fine for my purpose. But I would like to put an extra set of speakers (actually 2 extra sets) to our deck and another room. I don't want/ need it to keep playing in the original room, nor do I need to control the music from those locations as I just want to set up some playlists and then not think about it again. I can't use wireless as this house is not friendly to wireless.

Can I attach some sort of switching device to the PC and plug the speakers into that then just choose the room that receives the audio? I don't mind spending money on a decent solution, however would like to remain with the HTPC style solution that is CD free.

Thank you so much in advance for any advice.

 

[jinjuku]

You would really need to consider a 7.1 receiver connected via TOSLink to the PC.

5.1 for the room one, and 2.0 for the other room. There are a ton of 7.1 receivers that can do two audio zones. You can most likely find a 7.1 used for $200-250 that will do what you want it to do.

Do you need sound going in more than one location currently?

 

[krzywica]

How were you planning on powering the second set of speakers? Because you can just use a KVM type switch to change your audio, but powering those speakers is another story.

 

[Audiacc]

If speakers are to be in other rooms keep in mind quality of analog signal falls with distance and the longer you go the higher risk of interference.

 

[jcPanny]

Outdoor speakers

Look for an audio source or similar stereo amp that is stable into 4 ohms. Connect it to the analog out on your PC and run 14 AWG in-wall speaker wire to the outdoor speakers. Volume controls or a speaker selector would allow you to chose which rooms are on.